Gavin George to step down as Laine Pub Co CEO: Gavin George, chief executive of Laine Pub Company, is to step down from his day-to-day management role of the pub operator and brewer, and become a non-executive director within the wider Punch Pubs & Co business, where he remains a shareholder. George, who founded the business in 1997 with Peter Bennett, will continue to work with the current Laine management on strategic issues and direction while advising the wider Punch group on the development of propositions that “reflect the evolving needs and desires of the pub-going consumer”. Laine currently operates an estate of circa 55 venues across Brighton, London and Birmingham. Effective from late-September, Russell Danks, who joined as managing director of Laine's pub business last year, will lead the management of the Laine division. He will be supported by Martin Entwistle, who heads up Laine's brewing business and who is responsible for ensuring the quality and reach of Laine’s beer products in Laine, Punch, plus on and off-trade venues throughout the UK. George said: “I have had the most amazing 27 years, leading a wonderfully progressive business with incredible pubs, teams and customers. I’m grateful to everyone who has played a part in Laine's success and for supporting me through the good times and the challenges. I’d particularly like to thank all the managers and staff of the myriad pubs, clubs, bars and breweries we have operated over the years, for their creativity, energy and resilience, more recently in the face of significant challenges such as a pandemic, wars and economic turmoil. I'd also like to pay tribute to the people of Brighton & Hove – the city of Laine's birth – whose constancy from day one, and unique outlook on the world have been the inspiration and facilitator for much of what Laine has achieved. I leave the leadership of the business in the hands of a very capable management team but am pleased to be continuing to provide support and guidance to both them and the wilder Punch group, while also being able to focus on other opportunities in an exciting sector that never ceases to amaze me with its creativity, energy and resilience.” Punch Pubs & Co chief executive Clive Chesser added: “Gavin's achievements in building the Laine pub and beer business over the past 27 years are to be admired, and I would like to congratulate him and thank him for everything that he has done so far for Laine, Punch, and in fact the wider industry. Gavin has been a trailblazer in creating experiential pub offers, being way ahead of the curve in many respects. I am delighted that the business will continue to benefit from his knowledge, wisdom and creative input for many years to come in his non-executive capacity.” Laine features in the Premium Club Turnover & Profits Blue Book, the latest edition of which was sent to Premium Club subscribers today (Friday, 13 September) and features 978 companies. Laine’s turnover of £52,703,000 for the year ending 13 August 2023 is the 202nd highest in the database. The Blue Book ranks companies by turnover, profit and profit conversion, listing directors’ earnings for the past five years. Companies can now have an unlimited number of people receive access to Premium Club for a year for £995 plus VAT – whether they are an operator or a supplier. The single subscription rate is £495 plus VAT for operators and £595 plus VAT for suppliers. Email kai.kirkman@propelinfo.com to upgrade your subscription.

PizzaExpress opens first record store outside London as part of new Birmingham restaurant: PizzaExpress has opened its first record store outside London as part of its latest restaurant launch in Birmingham. The outlet is based at The ICC, Birmingham. Featuring vinyl and CDs from the brand’s PX Records artists, the store builds on the three record outlets opened in London earlier this year. The restaurant will also feature weekly live music, known as Live Sessions, providing a platform for local artists to share their musical talents. PizzaExpress Birmingham ICC general manager Ilham Tahmazov said: “In a city renowned for its heavy metal in the late 1960s, as we approach our 60th anniversary next year, it only seems right to celebrate our connection to live music, with our very own record store, live music and our delicious menu.” PizzaExpress has also launched its autumn menu, which includes American Hot dough balls. Other dishes include the Meatball Italiano Romana pizza – a combination of beef meatballs, spicy beef, tomato, garlic, mozzarella and red onion, finished with a dash of chilli oil and Gran Milano cheese on a crispy Romana base – and Al Forno Chicken Parmigiana – crispy, golden breaded chicken, with passata sauce, penne and Gran Milano cheese.